Need help! Am I an idiot?

[Mattfinn]

My 23gal tall heavily planted tank has been running since Easter it's all going sweet but it sits on my draws. I ha a sudden thought today what If I come home and my draws have given in and collapsed and my pride and joy is gone! Do you think it's safe or should I figure out an alternate tank stand probably a diy one because I enjoy diy projects like my tank which is pretty much all diy (tank included) except the fluval stratum substrate. Am I an idiot or just day dreaming. I'm only 16 (almost 17) so money isn't that available (already spent enough on the tank)

Sorry I'm making such a long post I'm just kinda freaking out....
My draws are very long about double the length of the tank but are the same depth as the tank. Structurally they sit right on two support beams for framing of draws. There is a big not in one of these beams an I can kinda see some splitting within the note.

Should I pull all the draws out and add a lot of timber in between draws to try and make it stronger? I can add support beams vertically aswell as add some hardwood right underneath the tank within the draws and screw between support beams to create some more strength there.

 

[Coyne]

Most furniture aren't designed to support the weight of an aquarium (In your case 200 - 250 lbs) so you're kinda playing Russian Roulette right now. Where as aquarium stands are specifically built with both weight and water exposure in mind.

Im not much of a DIY'er myself, so I don't know how viable the idea of reinforcing the existing furniture is. It does sound like a good idea though... especially if you're partial to how it looks. Plus, it would probably cost less than buying a whole new stand. Maybe put up a post in the DIY section and see if you hear from somebody that has some hands on experience.

Bottom line though, you were right to be concerned and one way or the other it would be smart to figure something out sooner rather than later.

Good luck.

 

[Mattfinn]

Ok thank you. I've been doing some flippin around on the interweb and most people say yeah that it's 50/50 something could go wrong it's about 100kg on the draws right now. I'm not sure what type the wood is on the draws but I assume pine but I have plenty of access to hardwoods through my old man so I'll give the reinforcing idea ago for the time being. How else could I spread the load evenly in this tank?

 

[Brookster123]

Can you put a piece of 3/4" plywood on top the bureau? Maybe add a center support in the interior?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Mattfinn]

Need to strengthen draws for 23gal tall

Ok so I have a 23gal tall sitting on my draws. I assume the wood is pine. The draws are double the length of my tank but the same in depth. I'm looking at strengthening my draws up so I don't have a catastrophe happen in my bedroom.

Could I add supports internally between drawer framing.

As well add hardwood planks on the underside of draw to strengthen the base that the tank sits on.

 

[Mattfinn]

Can you put a piece of 3/4" plywood on top the bureau? Maybe add a center support in the interior?

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

Are you saying directly underneath the tank between the tank and the draws because I could do that easily with some 12-15mm ply.Thought of maybe an egg crate to spread the load aswell but that's probably a stupid idea.
I can't really do a central support as there are draws directly underneath the centre of the tank but I can place supports on the edges of the tank as the tank kinda pretty much sits parallel to the internal framing for draws.

 

[Mattfinn]

I've tried having problems with phone and It keeps timing out. I'll get on my PC in the morning and upload that way.

 

[Delapool]

Have you tried putting a level on the stand to see if it is bowing? Following

 

[MICEY]

that tank will weigh around 200 lb full so if it is cheap put it together yourself furniture I would not do it

for the top I would use plywood that is made for outside use, do know how you would strengthen the structure

 

[absolutangel04]

Similar threads merged.

 

[Hulka9]

Am i the only one who has no idea what a draws is?

 

[emilygupps]

I think he means a chest of drawers


Sent from my iPhone

 

[Coyne]

Pretty sure he means "drawers". At first I thought it was just a typo, but it keeps happening so Im pretty sure its just an innocent misspelling.

 

[Mattfinn]

here are some photos of it.

looking inside the draws, I'm going to need an action plan soon. i need to first of all strengthen my draws to get me by until i can build a more permanent stand. kinda feel very worried now. its not bowed badly there is a slight curve in the top but not an obvious bow.

 

[Mattfinn]

I think he means a chest of drawers


Sent from my iPhone

yeah sorry about that I'm australian, i have never really mown what to call them so i just draws. never heard the term chest of draws but drawers which i always thought were pj pants, but oh well. #bogunlife

 

[Mattfinn]

that tank will weigh around 200 lb full so if it is cheap put it together yourself furniture I would not do it

for the top I would use plywood that is made for outside use, do know how you would strengthen the structure

no its not a flatpack or something from ikea my 'rents brought it home for me but it seems to be mostly pine.

 

[Brookster123]

That's scary.. you need to build a framed platform to put on top of that to distribute the weight. That will fail sooner than later..

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-G900A using Aquarium Advice mobile app

 

[Mattfinn]

I know I'm super paranoid now and I can't believe I was that stupid to put it on there in the first place.?
I shall look at just getting a piece of 15 mm or 18 mm ply to put directly under the tank for the time being. But I'm going to have to make a permanent stand soon, I'll find a way to convince my dad that it's a school project or something. (He is my supplier in all materials)

 

[Mattfinn]

How would you all put together a stand, I want cupboards underneath for me to store all my equipment and eletrical gear.

 

[Coursair]

I think if you use thick solid wood and make it the same size as the top of your chest of drawers that would distribute the weight ?

You can stain it to match

I have two 10g on my night stands but they are hardwood and having no issues. Smaller tanks tho.